Criminal charges against 23 water protesters 'highly disproportionate', says Sinn Féin

NEWS that 23 water charges protesters are to face criminal charges in relation to a protest in Tallaght last November during a visit by Tánaiste Joan Burton is “deeply worrying”, Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has said.

The fact that details of charges against named individuals was leaked to the media before any of the accused was informed “is proof that there is politics at play here at some level”, he added.

Charges are reported to include false imprisonment, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage arising from an incident when the Tánaiste's car was surrounded by water charges protesters in Jobstown on 15 November last year.

Amongst those reported to be facing charges are Paul Murphy TD.

The Tánaiste and Labour Party leader is expected to be called to give evidence against the water charges protesters.

Deputy Mac Lochlainn (pictured) said while there can be no doubt that the protest in question could have been handled better, the idea that more than 20 people could face jail time for delaying the Tánaiste for a couple of hours is “highly disproportionate”.

He pointed out that, at the time of the arrests of some 40 protesters over ten days, Sinn Féin described the arrests as “over the top”.

He said Sinn Féin fails to see the public interest in now charging more than 20 of these protesters.

The Sinn Féin TD said that while there is an onus on protest organisers to try and ensure they are safe and peacfeul, the right to protest is a fundamental democratic principle. Protests, by their very nature, are disruptive, he reminded commentators.

“If you are involved in a very unpopular government, implementing very unpopular policies, then you should expect protests and disruptions,” he said.

“It is also very worrying that the protesters themselves have yet to be informed whether or not they will be charged. The fact that this news was leaked to the media before any of the protesters was informed is proof that there is politics at play here at some level.”

He added that while it is important that the Director of Public Prosecutions is allowed to do her work independently, it is also very important that the Garda do their job without prejudice.

“There should be an investigation to find out how and why this information was leaked to the media and that those responsible should face disciplinary proceedings.”